Blast factory boss and son appear before judge

A firework factory owner and his son charged with manslaughter over the deaths of two firefighters have appeared before a judge.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Jun 2008, 14:55 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 22:39 BST

Martin Winter, 50, and Nathan Winter, 23, of Marlie Farm, Shortgate, near Lewes, spoke only to confirmed their names at the town's Crown Court today (Wednesday).

No pleas were entered by the pair during the 10-minute hearing and the case was adjourned until August 29.

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Geoffrey Wicker, 49, and Brian Wembridge, 63, died tackling a blaze at a firework depot in Sussex on December 3, 2006.

Twelve other people were injured in the explosions and blaze, at Festival Fireworks, near Ringmer, including nine firefighters and a police officer.

The company, now known as Alpha Fireworks Ltd, has been summonsed for breaches of the manufacture and storage of Explosive Regulations 2005.

Mr Wicker, a retained firefighter, and Mr Wembridge, a fire service cameraman, were both long-serving members of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

They received full brigade honours at their funeral services.

Judge Richard Brown released the Winters on bail until the next hearing when they are expected to enter their pleas.